Chris Carter says no to ‘The X-Files’ without Gillian Anderson

Last night The X-Files returned for season 11 in North America. The show, which continues on Channel 5 here in the UK, is facing an uncertain future following comments from lead actress Gillian Anderson. Anderson has been with the show from the very beginning and has made it clear that season 11 will be her last.

“I’ve said from the beginning this is it for me,” Anderson told TV Guide. “I was a bit surprised by people’s [shocked] reaction to my announcement, because my understanding was that this was a single season.”

Creator Chris Carter used a recent Reddit AMA to touch on Anderson’s comments and what they might mean for the series going forward.

“For me, the show has always been Mulder & Scully. So the idea of doing the show without her isn’t something I’ve ever had to consider. Was her character given a proper goodbye? I think you will want to sit down and watch the series finale very carefully.”

The 10 episode 11th season began last night with episodes “My Struggle III” and will hopefully be a victory lap for the veteran show.

The X-Files stars Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny. The series co-stars Mitch Pileggi, William B. Davis, Karin Knoval and Barbara Hershey. The series was created by Chris Carter and is produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Ten Thirteen Productions.

The X-Files returns Wednesday, January 3 on FOX and will air in the UK on Channel 5.